Ballot No. 31.
There has been no debate on the text of these key principles for quite a few days. So lets get this out of the way.
Question 1. Concerning Key Principles
Free Exchange of Ideas: All forms of self-expression are welcome at board77. In our discussion forums we encourage conversation that is vibrant and thoughtful, sometimes deeply personal, opinionated, or humorous and lighthearted. In our collaborative writing forum we value cooperation and support for one another’s creativity. We encourage the exchange of views on the whole spectrum of subjects that pique our curiosity in our daily lives.
Diversity: We pride ourselves on having an international membership that is diverse in culture, gender, age and interests. We are tolerant toward other viewpoints and opinions without hesitating to express our own. We show appreciation for the differing skills, language abilities and life experiences that our members bring to the board. We listen to one another, make good-faith efforts to understand one another, and we treat one another respectfully at all times.
Fellowship: Our interactions on board77 demonstrate that fellowship transcends agreement on specific issues, and actually flourishes because of the different perspectives we bring to a discussion. The founders of the board met through a shared love for the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, and we remain mindful of the spirit of fellowship exemplified by Tolkien's Middle-earth, and the inspiration that world brings to so many who encounter it. We strive to keep this ideal of fellowship alive and available to the community at large with opportunities for old friendships to deepen and for new ones to begin.
Transparency: The atmosphere of fairness required to foster the free exchange of ideas requires that judgment regarding board behavior be the shared responsibility of all members. Administration and enforcement of by-laws is done as fairly and openly as possible. We see value in exercising power and dealing with challenges publicly, rather than behind the scenes, because this safeguards against the undermining of our principles by privately-made decisions. This approach requires courage and trustworthiness from our members, and a willingness to be frank and forthright in our dealings with one another.
Self-Governance: The members of Board77 believe that externally imposed and enforced rules can stifle free expression; our solution is to leave responsibility for governance in the hands of the members. No member of board77 is more important than any other member, and no single member or group of members ever holds absolute power. We are all responsible for participating in board governance and we are all accountable for our own actions.
PLEASE SELECT ONE:
A. I approve all of these Key Principles.
B. I do not approve the following Key Principles: [please specify]